Remembrance
Six Degrees, 2022
9/10
A Tehran native, Mamak Khadem brings an incredible voice to a classical Persian style that’s quite modern and welcomes a wealth of influences across this 4th solo album.
The title track starts the listen with a distinct, soothing atmosphere, as Khadem’s captivating pipes enter with plenty of emotion to guide the ethereal climate, and “Mina” follows with graceful keys and light percussive sounds populating the cultured singing.
Halfway through, Chris Martin (Coldplay) makes an appearance on the dreamy beauty of “Across The Oceans”, where gentle piano glides amid the sublime intimacy, while “Dead And Alive” is a bit more dense with agile layers of melody and cascading rhythm.
Near to the end, “Messenger” emits a haze of meditative qualities, and “Don’t Go Without Me” exits the listen some contemporary pop influences under the elegant piano balladry that truly illustrates the depths of Khadem’s vocal prowess.
A founding member of the fusion outfit Axiom Of Choice, Remembrance serves as a profoundly moving tribute to her late father, and there’s an unparalleled amount of sincerity in Khadem’s delivery which resonates a world music beauty that you’re not going to hear anywhere else.
Travels well with: Dom Le Nana- Tempo; Meklit- When People Move The Music Moves Too